Why I Reacted To This Song
It’s a simple, hopeful song that never gets old.
Original by Artist
About This Song
“Learning To Fly” was the lead single from Into the Great Wide Open, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 1991 album. Petty wrote it with Jeff Lynne, who also produced the record. The song is about getting back up after a fall and finding your way forward.
First Impressions
The easygoing acoustic strum and Petty’s relaxed voice make it feel warm and familiar right away.
My Reaction
“Learning To Fly” sounds easygoing on the surface but to me it’s about drugs. Flying is the high and coming down is the hard part. Hearing it that way gives a simple song a much darker weight. Petty delivers it with such ease that it feels timeless.
Rating
82/100